James Taylor Quartet

The James Taylor Quartet (or JTQ) are a British four-piece jazz funk band, who have become renowned for their live performances. They were formed in 1987 by Hammond organ player James Taylor following the break-up of his former band The Prisoners.

James Taylor Quartet’s first single, Blow-Up (a cover version of Herbie Hancock’s main theme from the seminal 1960s film of the same name), was released in 1987 and was championed by the NME and John Peel, appearing in Peel’s Festive Fifty chart for 1987.

The band’s debut Mission Impossible (1987) followed and predominantly comprised covers of 1960s film themes such as Alfie, Mrs. Robinson and Goldfinger. Their second album, The Money Spyder (1987), was the soundtrack to an imaginary spy film, applying the band’s distinctive style to Taylor’s own compositions.

The band recorded their signature tune Theme From Starsky and Hutch featuring Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis of The JB's for their next album Wait A Minute (1988). Their popularity as a live act (selling out 11 shows at the Kentish Town Forum in 1990) led to the release of the live album Absolute – JTQ Live in 1991.

James Taylor is one of the finest Hammond organists in the world and JTQ have released 34 albums and 29 singles since their inception selling out huge venues and performing at major festivals worldwide.

James Taylor (Keyboards)

Mark Cox (guitar)

Andrew McKinney (bass)

Pat Illingworth (drums)

Yvonne Yanney (vocals)